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Football | Championship

Jordan Rhodes © Action Images

Blackburn go top after eight-goal thriller



Blackburn moved to the top of the Championship in dramatic fashion as Rovers scored twice in stoppage-time to win 5-3 at Bristol City on Saturday.

Steve Kean's side looked to have blown their chance to take all three points at Ashton Gate when Sam Baldock got City's second equaliser of the day in the 83rd minute.

But Scott Dann struck in the third minute of stoppage-time before Jordan Rhodes bagged his second goal to complete a sensational finale.

It was a much-needed win for under-fire Kean, who is looking to lead the club, owned by Indian poultry firm Venky's, back to the Premier League at the first attempt after last season's relegation.

Kean has had to endure more speculation about his future this week and the Scot must have feared the worst when winger Albert Adomah fired City ahead after just 48 seconds.

But Scotland striker Rhodes, signed for £8 million from Huddersfield last month, linked up with Nuno Gomes to bag his first goal for the club in the 28th minute.

Rhodes then laid on a goal for veteran Portugal striker Gomes in the 55th minute before Stephen Pearson equalised for the hosts 14 minutes later.

A magnificent solo effort from Ruben Rochina gave Blackburn a 3-2 lead with nine minutes left, but Baldock levelled soon after.

Then Dann reacted quickest to lash home when Morten Gamst Pedersen's corner dropped on the penalty spot in stoppage-time and Rhodes sealed the win to ensure Rovers remain unbeaten.

Second-placed Blackpool are one point behind Blackburn after Ian Holloway's side were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at Barnsley.

Craig Davies opened the scoring for Barnsley, who are celebrating their 125th anniversary, with a long-range strike in the 14th minute.

But winger Thomas Ince, the son of former Manchester United and England star Paul, continued his strong start to the season by netting for Blackpool after half an hour.

Brighton are third after Friday's 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday, while Hull moved into fourth place with a 4-1 thrashing of Millwall at the KC Stadium.

Cardiff rose to fifth spot thanks to a 2-1 win over fellow promotion chasers Leeds in south Wales.

Craig Bellamy put Cardiff in front in the 67th minute as the former Liverpool striker clipped home a 20-yard strike just three minutes after coming off the bench.

Peter Whittingham coolly slotted home from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute after Leeds defender Tom Lees fouled Cardiff striker Nicky Maynard and, although Jamaica international Rodoplh Austin fired home a 30-yard thunderbolt for Leeds, Malky Mackay's side held on.

Elsewhere, sixth placed Nottingham Forest fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Birmingham at the City Ground.

Charlie Austin scored a hat-trick as Burnley crushed Peterborough 5-2 at Turf Moor, while Middlesbrough eased to a 2-0 home win over Ipswich.

Bolton defeated Watford 2-1 at the Reebok Stadium and Huddersfield beat Derby 1-0.

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